For weeks, we’ve been scantily clad, contending with some of the hottest temperatures the UK has ever seen, so it’s hard to envisage the season changing. But if there’s one thing we know about our country's weather, it’s that we’re only one cloud away from a total U-turn.
It will soon be time to evaluate the autumnal pieces in our arsenal and assess whether anything needs adding or taking away. For me, this process begins around now and coincides with the early autumn drops.
In the past few days, there’s been an evident shift away from summer sales and into newness at our favourite online stores. Colours are graduating to sage green (which has proven itself as a staple), brown and indigo. In terms of styles, hemlines have been extended, and denim is everywhere—whether that’s the many dungarees on offer or jeans in varied sepia tones.
Autumn is a favourite for many. On good days, it’s warm enough to go sans coat in favour of a utility jacket or long-sleeve, and if we’re lucky enough, we can even extend the wear of summer dresses with a light layer tucked underneath.
Chunky flip-flops can be worn with maxi and midi dresses from summer to autumn.
Talking of which, for the first time, cult favourite Réalisation has introduced long-sleeve styles in its collection, so you can wear figure-hugging bias cuts with a little more coverage throughout the year. Additionally, the many ballerina iterations are everywhere just in time for us to retire our sandals. Keep scrolling for my early autumn shopping guide.
Shop My Early Autumn Style Edit
Dresses
The dress of dreams. I often belt it to accentuate my waist. Pair this with the brown woven-leather handbag below.
I'd wear this minidress with maroon higher-than-average knee-high boots. Simple yet sophisticated—keep scrolling for the best pairing.
If you're deliberating over this dress, I can tell you that years on, it's still one of my favourites.
If ever there were an example of how to make cut-outs serve you in autumn and winter, it would be this. This colour alone was made for the upcoming seasons, and lyocell gives the material a glossy sheen.
Kitri's newly released checkerboard design adorns many of its dresses, from a shirred midi to a tea dress. Both the colour and motif are fitting for autumn.
A flowing light-knit dress crafted from Oeko-Tex finely spun merino wool. Pieces like this are fall-back items for most seasons that you can get your money’s worth from. Wear it with white canvas trainers in the spring, sandals in the summer, slip-on loafers in the autumn and boots in the winter.
I'm pleased with the introduction of sleeved styles in Réalisation's collections, meaning we can wear its styles right up into the winter.
The shape of this knitted midi is something to admire. I particularly like the finishing of the skirt, as it encourages sway with movement.
This could quite easily pass as designer because of the shape and the generous fabric.
Skirts
This skirt comes with a matching top if you want to opt for a head-to-toe linen look.
I've been bowled over by how many ways I’ve been able to wear this skirt. It's a key addition to my wardrobe going into autumn.
You can always rely on Paloma Wool for unique styles and shapes like this.
It's not often that I find a linen piece that holds a shape. If you prefer a full circle silhouette to the '90s-style offerings, then this one is for you.
A large-panelled waistband is the feature of the moment on dresses and skirts. This two-piece by Mondo Corsini gives the appearance of a dress but both components can be worn separately. Check out the matching top here.
Rixo releases some gems, but this linen skirt with a lace hem is one of my favourites. The mix of linen and lace is not very common, but the soft textures work beautifully in unison.
Tops and Knitwear
This vest is a customer favourite for good reason. It’s just the right amount of crop to suit many high-waisted styles, and as the weather gets cooler, the thick texture will make it a great layering piece. It's also available in black.
With the exaggerated collar, white stitching and pintuck detail, it’s a definite nod to nautical.
I've road-tested this jumper for three years running now. It looks, feels and washes just like cashmere. Best of all, it’s £15!!
Cashmere pieces like this are year-round staples. The subdued yellow is an entryway into more explorative colour for lovers of neutral tones.
As classic as Breton is, small design features like the puff sleeve modernise it a tad.
After the success of Khaite's jumper and knitted tank, this duo has proven to have a timeless appeal. Camilla Bloom's cropped cardigan ticks the boxes on sustainability and style.
Accessories
I seldom get excited about belts, but this one is very chic. The width, colour, braided design and looped element mean you can wear it as tight or loose as you desire.
There are so many lovely belts available at the moment. The curved-buckle feature and brown colour fit the '70s style aesthetic. It's also available in tan suede.
I’m enamoured with the sheen and sparkle on these dainty huggies. It’s the type of jewellery that becomes part of your uniform—a piece you never want to leave the house without.
Dangly pearl earrings are all you need to elevate an outfit.
Footwear
The perennial staple as we once knew it has been revamped. Now, ballerina flats are available in extended top lines and scrunched iterations.
Platform flip-flops are my favourite shoes going into autumn, and this is my pick of the bunch. Pair it with a smock dress to balance out "girly" styles.
Squishy slip-ons are like autumnal sandals. They're a wonderful match with a classic white shirt and jeans.
The Western-inspired Dicker boots have been a firm favourite for French women for some years now. Often teamed with a botanical-print minidress, they segue into autumn really well.
I’m a fan of the smooth boot with a wooden-heel detail.
Outerwear
I've eyed up this blazer for the past three years—maybe 2022 is finally the year.
Complete this chic double-denim look by adding the matching jeans.
The undone fringing and texture turn what's often a regal style into something a little more wearable. Throw it over the top of jeans and a T-shirt to give a basic look some added interest.
Next to the trench coat, a utility jacket is the most universal piece of outwear. It comes into its own at the close of summer when the weather gets a little chillier but it's still far too warm to wear a coat.
Bags
This brown is so rich that it's almost maroon. The structured silhouette is just the right size for totting everyday bits. If you too are a stickler for detail, you'll be pleased to see that the inner is lined with a supple suede.
The elongated shape and dainty strap make this style appear premium.
Woven bags are best worn in the summer and autumn months. The patina gets richer with age and wear, making this bag even more timeless.
This slender-shaped bag with gold hardware is a classic accessory style that will never date.
Denim
Good American has piqued my interest of late. I'm always overjoyed to see an inclusive denim brand on the market.
The sepia pigment with white stitching is rich in colour and appeal.
Pair the dungarees with an embroidered blouse and mules and your outfit is complete.
Indigo denim is an A/W theme for 2022, but I think this shade is one to pull out every autumn. A crisp white shirt and a mahogany bag will complement this rich tone even further.
It's been a while, but dungarees are back in all their glory. This mid-wash style paired with an embroidered blouse is guaranteed to be a staple look for many. Add a brown leather basket and fisherman sandals for a transitional look.
Coming Up, I'm Head Over Heels for These 34 Spectacular Pieces This August